When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House for dinner Monday evening, he brought a gift that has become symbolic of President Donald Trump’s global ambitions: a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The award has long been an obsession for Trump, who sees it as a rightful recognition of his efforts to end global conflicts—including the 21-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
A breakthrough in that conflict may hinge on Netanyahu’s willingness to accept terms for a full ceasefire—an issue Trump was expected to press during their meeting in the Blue Room.
But before dinner was served, Netanyahu praised Trump’s role in international diplomacy.
“He’s forging peace in one region after another,” Netanyahu said as he handed Trump the letter. “So, Mr. President, I present to you the letter I sent to the Nobel Committee, nominating you for the Peace Prize—which you richly deserve.”
Trump, visibly moved, replied, “Wow. Coming from you, this means a lot. Thank you, Bibi.”
Trump Eyes Gaza Ceasefire as Legacy Win
Trump sees brokering an end to the Gaza war as key to both his Nobel aspirations and his broader goal of establishing lasting peace in the Middle East—a goal that defined his first-term Abraham Accords.
“I’m stopping wars. I hate to see people killed,” Trump said Monday.
Despite moments of friction with Netanyahu in the past, Trump now views the Israeli leader as essential to finalizing a deal. But doing so means convincing both Hamas and Netanyahu to accept language they’ve previously rejected—particularly over whether a ceasefire marks a definitive end to the war.
Trump has drawn Netanyahu closer in recent months, backing Israel in its short war with Iran and even suggesting Netanyahu’s corruption trial should be dropped. Still, he’s using this closeness to push for a deal.
“We had great results recently,” Trump said, seemingly referencing Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “And we’re going to have a lot more.”
Momentum for a Deal Builds
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are currently in Qatar finalizing the terms of a potential 60-day ceasefire, which would include a phased hostage release and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The White House confirmed Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff will join the talks later this week.
Qatar’s latest proposal, introduced last week, was quickly accepted by Israel. Though Hamas proposed some changes, which Israel initially called “unacceptable,” both parties have agreed to continue proximity talks—often a sign a deal is close.
“They want to meet. They want a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters Sunday.
Ceasefire Could Unlock Broader Peace
Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren said Trump could combine pressure with incentives—such as maintaining a military threat against Iran—to sway Netanyahu toward a deal.
“The president could offer carrots, not just sticks,” Oren said.
A ceasefire would also be critical to Trump’s broader objective: normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said such normalization can’t proceed while the war in Gaza continues.
Trump hopes that securing Riyadh’s support would prompt other Arab nations to follow, expanding the Abraham Accords and solidifying his legacy as a regional peacemaker.
Netanyahu, for his part, seemed optimistic.
“With President Trump’s leadership, I think we can establish a very broad peace that includes all our neighbors,” he said Monday.
What Comes After Gaza?
Key to any agreement is determining Gaza’s future governance. Israel insists Hamas cannot remain in control. The role of the Palestinian Authority remains uncertain, but may be vital to gaining Gulf state support for post-war reconstruction.
Trump has also floated a controversial idea—first introduced during Netanyahu’s February visit—to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and transform the enclave into a resort destination, dubbing it the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The plan was widely condemned and has since faded from public discussions. Asked Monday whether it was still being considered, Trump deferred to Netanyahu.
“I think President Trump had a brilliant vision. It’s called free choice,” Netanyahu replied. “If people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should be able to. It shouldn’t be a prison.”
